Almost everyone thinks it is wrong to abuse a child. But many parents
and teachers believe it is okay to spank children, rap their knuckles,
slap their faces, pull their hair and yank their arms, as long as
the punishment does not result in serious injury or death, and is
intended to improve a child’s behaviour. Susan M. Turner explores
the historical, psychological, sociological and legal foundations
of this belief from a philosophical perspective and argues why it
should be abandoned.

Something to Cry About presents evidence from recent studies
showing that all forms of corporal punishment pose significant risks
for children and that none improves behaviour in the long term. Dr.
Turner also examines Section 43 of the Canadian Criminal Code —
a law that protects those who punish children in their care by allowing
them to hit the children as long as such punishment is “reasonable,”
even though Canadian case law shows that “reasonable”
has included breaking a child’s fingers. Turner presents a comprehensive
argument in favour of repeal.

In Something to Cry About, Turner takes a definite stand, but
does so in a way that invites critical dialogue. Her work is the first
to set out the debate over corporal punishment in multidisciplinary
terms pertinent to Canadian society. She brings together in one place
a wide variety of thought and data which can be consulted by all Canadians
concerned with the welfare of children.

Susan M. Turner, a single parent of three children, entered
graduate school in 1989, received her master’s degree in 1991
and her doctorate in 1995. Since 1996, she has worked in Victoria
as a university instructor and tutor.

Reviews

“An excellent and much-needed analysis of the philosophical
arguments for and against corporal punishment of children.”

“The Supreme Court of Canada recently upheld a century-old law
that allows parents, teachers and caregivers to spank children.
For that reason, Something to Cry About takes on a whole
new meaning. Well researched, the book documents evidence on the effects of spanking and other forms of corporal punishment on children....The Supreme Court of Canada’s decision goes against everything Turner has uncovered. It’s a decision that all citizens should be up in arms about. Write to your member of parliament and voice your opinion — on behalf of those too tiny to do so themselves. In doing so, suggest they pick up a copy of Turner’s book. When they read it, they’ll be as outraged as you are.”

— Danette Dooley, Herizons

“Susan Turner’s Something to Cry About makes a compelling
case—philosophical, moral, legal and empirical—for
securing the right of all children to be free from the pains and
harms arising from the practice of spanking and other forms of
corporal punishments. The book will transform the ways in which
Canadians think and act with respect to the tradition of
assaulting children in the guise of discipline and will hasten
the end of this practice through legislation and other legal
means. Something to Cry About will have an enduring impact
upon future generations by encouraging this generation to act
decisively to end the practice of corporal punishment of
children.”